how difficult it is
in a particular moment
to find the words
that can articulate
the general in the specific
and vice versa
when sensibilities are tense
words easily can be received
quite differently
from what they actually
were meant to say
hearts can be shaken
feelings hurt
it may require weeks
to heal the wounds
a turn of phrase has cut
sometimes unknown
by s/he who spoke
and then
if deeds are not available
more words are needed
to undo the harm
old ones have wreaked
explain
define
and modify
to keep the dialogue alive
that circumscribes
forever undetermined & opaque
what is in us
and needs to be
said
* *